For model watchers, the Big Apple is the first stop on a global parade of shows that makes (and breaks) careers. For NEW MODELS NEW YORK, our exclusive preview of Spring 2012 in V74 The Model Issue, we ask 4 New York designers known for directional castings to name their favorite new girl. Alexander Wang selects Maria Bradley.

V Why did you choose Maria as your favorite new model of the moment?
ALEXANDER WANG She has a disinterest in fashion that is so intriguing. Her body is obviously amazing, but in a super athletic way. She just embodies the energy that every girl wants to have—sexy but not in the conventional way and completely effortless in her approach.

V When did you meet her?
AW Three days before my show.

V What about her do you find most exciting?
AW She just walks in and is completely confident in herself. Everything we threw on her just came to life. When she puts on a dress, it’s as if she is throwing on a T-shirt, and that is something that I always admire in a girl. She’s not precious.

V In your opinion, what makes a good model?
AW Everyone is different and has qualities that make them special and successful at what they do. Only Freja can be Freja, and only Lara can be Lara. It’s about embracing what’s special and unique about you.

Just read on some website that she is kind of overrated or average... if that's the case then I might have bad taste because I find her quite interesting. Not typical, maybe not easy to get for some spoilt eyes. But she expresses something raw yet sophisticated in someway (if it makes sense but for my eyes it definitely does). Really like the combination of deep brown eyes and a mixture of strength (her features themselves and the expression, the pout when she walks) and some kind of unsecure vibe she has sometimes.

I agree 101%. Yes, the raw emotion combined with the deep brown eyes is simply alluring, they really emphasized it in the polas from DNA (These are so great, gotta love DNA snaps). Although I still wish she'll loose the shakiness on the runway, makes me think too much of other shaky models.